#marketing How to Get the Press Talking About Your Small Business

Earning some favorable buzz from the media can be a real boon for your small business. Just one problem: How exactly do you get that buzz?

It isn’t always easy, especially since trying too hard to get media attention can make your business seem a bit desperate. With that said, there are some tried and true strategies for earning media coverage that I believe you should consider. See if any of these holds promise for your small business.

Build Media Buzz for Your Business

Establish thought leadership. One way to earn coverage is to dispense wisdom or insight that the press believes to be quotable. This means casting yourself as a reputable authority within your field. The best way to do this is to blog—and to do so consistently. Also consider publishing on LinkedIn Pulse and Medium, and maintaining an active social media presence.

Become a source. Reporters are always looking for industry experts who they can quote in their articles. At PR Newswire, you can sign up to be a source. Just make sure that you only respond to queries that directly relate to your field—or else, you’re just wasting your time.

Get active in the community. The local press will cover any big festivals or charity events that are held in your city or town—so establishing a presence at these events can be a great way to earn favorable mentions in the press.

Send press releases. If you have a new product, service, or charitable event, consider writing and distributing your own press release. If it’s newsworthy enough, you may find that the release gets picked up by local publications.

Start Building Buzz Today

None of these strategies are guaranteed, of course—but they can all help to position you strategically, increasing your chances of winning coverage by reporters and bloggers. Start laying the foundation today, and reap the benefits of media attention later.